Beneath the pitch-black night sky, two mighty figures sped forward. Spiritual energy emanated from their bodies but was confined within a two-inch radius, not spilling even a fraction beyond.
Such precise control of spiritual energy could only be achieved by those who had long resided in the realm of divine abilities and deeply understood the nature of spiritual power.
Both figures were cloaked in broad black robes, showing no interest in anyone or anything, their singular focus being the Taicang Palace.
"To think you, a ruler of a nation, would forsake your dignity and power to join me in killing the traitor Ji Xia!"
One of them, a towering figure over ten feet tall, suddenly spoke. His voice was low, akin to the buzz of a mosquito, yet it reached the ears of his companion with perfect clarity—another testament to the wonders of spiritual energy, binding sound into threads.
The other, a figure of average stature, seemed to ignore the faintly mocking comment, continuing forward without a word.
"Why do you even bother?
If I smash Ji Xia's skull, my kingdom might still cling to a sliver of hope. But as for Zhouqing, Ji Xia, along with Ji Qianqing and another mysterious divine-power wielder, has already led a thousand elite soldiers of Taicang to ravage Zhouqing from south to north. Every clan has been annihilated!
Zhouqing is already destroyed, and the Zhouqing people will be eradicated because of Taicang!"
The tall figure persisted in his taunts, his tone laden with deliberate ridicule.
"Dusan, I've long known that you come from a lowly background. A petty man who climbs to high office always takes pleasure in mocking those of noble birth. I won't bother with you. But know this—after Ji Xia is dead, if I still have any strength left, I'll personally rip your heart out!"
The second figure finally spoke, his voice icy and uncompromising, each word laced with venom.
"Hmph!"
The tall figure snorted coldly, spiritual energy surging around him and blowing back his hood.
Beneath it was revealed the visage of a man with the head and body of a dog, walking upright. His red fur was particularly striking.
It was none other than General Dusan of the Canine Tribe!
"Taicang has expanded its power countless times over in such a short period. I can't help but feel that all of this is tied to Ji Xia, that treacherous wretch!
Bihong, you spoke so confidently when you came to me. Tell me, are you truly certain we can kill Ji Xia in the palace?"
Dusan momentarily set aside his murderous intent and questioned the other figure, Bihong, aware that he couldn't turn against him just yet.
"I'm certain. Taicang has made one critical oversight. All of their divine-power wielders are currently at Taicheng. Polian returned to Cangcheng a few days ago, Ji Qianqing and the mysterious divine-power wielder are still in Zhouqing. Right now, Taicheng has no divine-level combatants!"
Bihong replied slowly.
Dusan frowned slightly. "Aren't you worried that Taicang might still have hidden divine-power wielders? For instance, that mysterious one—had you seen them before?"
Bihong shot him a cold glance before halting on a rooftop and retrieving a transparent gem from his pocket. Tossing it to Dusan, he said, "Look around through this gem."
Dusan didn't hesitate. Holding the gem before his eyes, he surveyed his surroundings. At first, nothing appeared unusual until his gaze landed on Bihong's position.
Through the gem, a dazzling light glimmered faintly where Bihong stood.
"This is a treasure I obtained by chance. It's called the Spirit Wheel Gem. When used, it reveals the presence of any divine-power wielder within a thirty-mile radius as a point of light."
Only then did a smile appear on Dusan's face.
"And what about you?
The palace must surely be guarded by numerous sixth- or seventh-tier Taicang warriors. You claimed you could keep them occupied—is that the truth?"
Bihong asked in return.
"Of course, it is.
If I weren't confident, would I have come here to die?"
Dusan's eyes glinted with cruelty as he spoke.
A flicker of something unreadable flashed in Bihong's eyes, but he said nothing further. The two continued their swift approach toward the palace.
Before long, they scaled the palace walls, concealing their presence as they reached the sleeping quarters of the Taicang ruler.
"This shabby palace—it hasn't changed at all in two hundred years!"
Dusan licked his cheeks with his crimson tongue as he spoke.
"If we'd known this would happen, we should have crushed Taicang when they first migrated here to establish their kingdom. We shouldn't have allowed them to grow!"
Bihong sighed.
"It's too late for regrets. What's the point of saying this now? At the time, Zhouqing and the Canine Tribe both saw Taicang as nothing more than a buffer state, a piece of meat to be taken at will."
Dusan's voice was cold.
Under cover of night, they suppressed their spiritual energy and crept to the entrance of the Taicang ruler's chamber.
"Strange—why isn't anyone guarding this place?"
Both felt a twinge of suspicion but quickly dismissed it. A trace of delight even appeared on Bihong's monkey-like face.
"Perhaps it's a shift change. All the better—let's go in and kill that boy with one strike. Look, the lamps are still lit. The Taicang ruler must be inside."
Dusan nodded deeply, pushing open the chamber doors.
Inside, the scene left them both momentarily stunned.
The chamber was brightly lit. At the center sat a silver-robed youth with disheveled hair, engrossed in a scroll. Without raising his head, he said in an eerie tone, "So you've come at last. I've been expecting you."
Dusan and Bihong exchanged a glance. Their spiritual energy surged, filling the chamber as they scanned the area.
"No ambush?"
Receiving no feedback of hidden forces, Bihong frowned slightly, puzzled.
"Hmph! Playing tricks!"
Dusan snorted and strode into the chamber, stopping only in the center of the hall to glare at Ji Xia.
"You two have stooped to becoming assassins, yet you hesitate? An assassin's art lies in surprise and swiftness, yet one of you lingers at the door while the other stands in the hall. It's laughable."
Still focused on his scroll, Ji Xia spoke calmly, his head never lifting.
Infuriated by Ji Xia's apparent disdain, Dusan's face flushed with rage.
"You must have set up some unseen ambush to be so confident!"
Bihong stepped into the chamber and stood beside Dusan.
Ji Xia finally closed his scroll, looked at Dusan, and smiled. "As a ruler, I dare to speak so boldly in your presence because I have my reasons. General Dusan, why not take a seat? I have a matter to discuss with you."
Ignoring Ji Xia's mockery, Bihong's fury erupted. Shredding his hood, he roared, "Ji Xia!
You destroyed my Zhouqing kingdom. I, Bihong, have shamed my ancestors. Tonight, I will see you crushed to dust!"
Ji Xia appeared puzzled for a moment, then patiently advised, "King Bihong, we are both rulers. I have significant backing. What makes you think you can kill me? Besides, you hold no value to me. I only wish to speak with General Dusan. Why don't you wait until—"
"Silence!"
Blood poured from Bihong's eyes and ears as terrifying spiritual energy erupted from his body.
"I consumed the ashes of my ancestors, sacrificed my life, and used a forbidden book to gain immense power—all to kill you! Today, you will—"
Ji Xia's expression turned cold as he formed a sword gesture with his fingers, slashing gently through the air.
A sharp blade of sword energy materialized, unleashing a tremendous force. Dusan felt an overwhelming terror welling from the depths of his soul.
He turned to Bihong in horror.
Bihong's eyes were wide, his mouth slightly open, still in mid-sentence.
Before Dusan could comprehend, countless bloodlines spread across Bihong's body, spurting crimson as his clothing became soaked.
Thud!
Bihong collapsed lifelessly to the ground.
"Interrupting me? How audacious!"
Ji Xia snorted coldly, then turned to Dusan.
"General, I have a proposal to discuss with you. Won't you take a seat?"
Overcome with fear, Dusan slowly stepped forward and sat in the guest seat below Ji Xia, lowering his head, unable to meet the gaze of this youth who could slay a divine power wielder with a single sword aura.